Seattle Class 43

On October 9, 2009, signaling the end of National PA week, MEDEX Northwest held a white coat ceremony for the new Seattle class. Parents, friends and family members along with PAs from around the community, university and community leaders were all present to join the students for this special event. Dr. Paul Ramsey, Dr. Tom Norris, and Dr. James Davis from the School of Medicine, along with the president of the WAPA board of directors, Lyle Larson, PhD PA-C were on hand to offer words of advice and encouragement to the students during this time of transition, and to welcome them into the exciting world of medicine.

Yakima Class 16

Yakima Class 16 2nd White Coat Ceremony was held on October 9th 2009. Introductions were gave by Don Coerver, PhD, PA-C Spokane Didactic Site Coordinator. Our key note speakers for this event were Steven Meltzer, PA-C, Assistant Director for Eastern Washington and Mike Urakawa PA-C, Washington Academy of Physicians Assistants, Region 2 Director. The White Coats were presented by Lori Rohel, ARNP and Yakima Class 16 WAPA Students were pinned by Mike Urakawa. Out of the 22 students in Yakima we have 18 students that are members of WAPA. Following the pinning, the student's recited the student oath with refreshments to follow. Also, the friends and family turnout in Yakima was overwhelming, it was standing room only and we were very pleased to see our students had so much support.

Spokane Class 13

Spokane Class 13 held their White Coat Ceremony on October 5, 2009. Keynote Speakers were John McCarthy, MD, Assistant Dean of Regional Affairs UWSOM, Coordinator WWAMI Clinical Medical Education for Eastern and Central Washington and Theresa Vance, PA-C, a past WAPA President currently in practice at Rockwood Dermatology. 19 students were presented with White Coats as WAPA Region 1 Representative Rebecca Johnson, PA-C and Theresa Vance, PA-C, both MEDEX Graduates, pinned the current WAPA members. We were happy to welcome our students family members, most of whom traveled from other locations.

Anchorage Class 1

Tom Nighswander, MD, UW Assistant Dean & Clinical Coordinator of Alaska WWAMI Regional Affairs, facilitates the White Coat Ceremony for Anchorage class 1 as MEDEX Anchorage faculty, John Riley, Sharon Moses and Rick Fradl support their first group of Anchorage Student.